JMU's 'College for Kids' Partners with Local Businesses, Schools

From: Public Affairs

November 1, 2007

HARRISONBURG — Local middle-school age children can spend their Saturday mornings in college, learning to build solar cookers, design video game software and recite Shakespeare. Students in grades 5-9 can enroll in "College for Kids," a series of educational programs offered by James Madison University's College of Education and Outreach Programs.

Partnership with Harrisonburg City, Rockingham and Page County Schools
College for Kids began one year ago as a partnership between JMU and the Harrisonburg Children's Museum. Students from Harrisonburg City and Page County Schools have been involved in the program. Now, Rockingham County Schools will also participate, according to Nick Swayne, coordinator for external relations in JMU's College of Education.

"We're excited to increase the number of children we serve and welcome kids from Rockingham County to our campus," Swayne said. "The opportunity for young students to learn on campus, in a collegiate setting, is invaluable and provides a unique partnership that not only fosters personal development for the students but also brings the university closer to the surrounding educational communities," Swayne said.

Classes Taught by JMU Faculty and Community Experts
The curriculum has also grown, with subject areas now including filmmaking, electronic music production, stained glass, establishing an investment portfolio, the mathematics of games and puzzles and Lego robotics. Classes are taught by JMU faculty and experts from local businesses including the American Shakespeare Center, Clark and Bradshaw, P.C., Immerge Technologies, Inc., Moseley Architects and Pinnow Works.

Classes meet in JMU's Memorial Hall, the former Harrisonburg High School. Carol Fleming, director of JMU Outreach Programs, said this building provides great learning space. "It's a good connector between the community and the university. We're pleased to strengthen that relationship while giving children an opportunity to expand their horizons," she said.

Course Information:
Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 23
Time: 9-12 a.m.
Cost: $120 for students in participating school districts; $180 for other students
Location: Memorial Hall
Registration is open until Nov. 16 Class size is limited.
Learn more by visiting http://www.jmu.edu/outreach. Click on "College for Kids 2008."

For more information, please contact Jamie Marsh in JMU's Office of Public Affairs at 540-568-4908 or by e-mail marshjs@jmu.edu.

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